It’s necessary to properly dispose of e-waste. Government rebates to fund purchases of more eco-friendly technology while recycling the old equipment would be a good next step in the Cash for Clunkers program.

Trading in damaged books, outdated textbooks and old paperbacks for a rebate on an electronic reader, such as the Amazon Kindle, could stop books from ending up in the landfill. We can also donate old books to public libraries or schools and recycle the damaged ones.

TVs

TVs that are five years old (or older) could be traded in for a rebate on more energy-efficient versions. Energy Star-certified TVs are 30 percent more efficient than conventional models. The specifications require that these TVs be energy-efficient when they are on, off and in standby mode.

Do you have ideas for the next Cash for Clunkers program? I’d love to hear about it; leave me a comment.